Friday, December 21, 2012

An eco-sista who says start small, read, and educate yourself about being eco-friendly

How long have you been eco-friendly? As long as I can remember! My mother does not believe in waste. She loves to re-use. I have definitely adopted some of the same principles. However, I would say that over the past year, I have definitely been more proactive, branching out into other areas.

Why did you choose to be eco-friendly? I chose to be more eco-friendly for health reasons. For me it started with food. I completed a summer internship with the NYC Department of Health where I educated communities living near farmers’ markets to consider visiting their local farmers’ market for their food purchases. Of course, we know that the food there is in season, local, nutritious, and sometimes affordable. As I educated other people, I too became educated. Being healthy was more than organic fruits and vegetables. It was buying locally grown produce and frequenting my local farmers’ market instead of those giant super markets. Being healthy and eco-friendly was making sure that what I put in my body was just as important as what I put on my body. For example, I no longer buy store bought lotions and creams. I make my own using oils and butters that aren’t laden with toxic chemicals. The same goes for beauty products. If I’m not able to make my own, I do my best to purchase those that use recyclable materials and/or natural ingredients.

What do you like about it?I like that the fact that I am aware and knowledgeable about ingredients and how they can affect my body, good or bad. I think it’s important to know how your actions may affect others around you, even if they live an ocean away.

Did you face any challenges? If so, what was/is the biggest obstacle(s)? Of course I do. It would be a lie to say that I don’t face any challenges. It is very difficult to be eco-friendly in every aspect of our lives. Life today is just not structured for me to make my own beauty products or grow my own food. Sometimes it’s just more convenient to buy. As much as I would love to make all my beauty and hair products, I cannot. I simply, control those areas that I can. That’s all you can do. Also, cost can be a big factor as well. Sometimes, I don’t mind paying more for eco-friendly goods and services. On the other hand, eco-friendly can be very expensive, and I cannot participate.

Any tips/advice for someone looking to be more eco-friendly?I would say start with those areas that you have more control over. If you no longer wish to use toxic beauty products, such as lipsticks or creams, change it. Find an alternative that not only does the job, but isn’t detrimental to your health and that of the environment. Start small. Read. Educate yourself. It is definitely a work in progress. It won’t happen overnight. Be patient.

Going green can be complex. This discourages a lot of people. There’s really no “right” way it’s basically trying to do something than nothing at all. I sometimes feel like a green hypocrite. Do you feel that way sometimes?No, I do not. You do the best you can. Like I said before, life today isn’t structured for us to be 100% eco-friendly in all aspects of our lives at all times. If you can control where most of your food comes from, perfect it. If you enjoy recycling, own it. Presently, I’m on a mission to buying more locally grown foods, reducing my meat consumption, recycling, and using more natural products for my skin, hair and home. Like you said, ‘there’s really no ‘right’ way; it’s basically trying to do something than nothing at all.”

You know I gotta ask, How long have you been natural and how do you keep it so FLY?I’ve been natural all my life. I’ve never relaxed my hair. I’m simply learning how to take care of it of myself.

Is there anything you like to add?Thank you for the feature! I love networking with like-minded folks like yourself. You can learn more about me on www.liliashealthbook.blogspot.com, where I’m discovering the many aspects to health and wellness.